Electric Power Steering Motor

This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the electric power steering (EPS) motor on a 2014-2019 Toyota Corolla with the 1.8L I4 engine.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Electric power steering motor assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Power steering line O-rings × 2 — Use OEM specification
• Cotter pin for tie rod end × 1 — Use OEM specification

Fluids

• Toyota ATF Dexron III — 1 qt

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level ground and engage parking brake
2. Disconnect negative battery cable and wait 90 seconds minimum
3. Turn steering wheel to center position and lock using steering wheel holder
4. Raise front of vehicle and support securely on jack stands at manufacturer-specified jacking points
5. Remove both front wheels
6. Place drain pans under steering rack area to catch any fluid
7. Remove engine under cover if equipped

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove front subframe braces
   Remove the front subframe braces or cross member supports to gain access to the steering rack area. These are typically two bolts per side. Set aside hardware for reinstallation.
2. 2

   Disconnect tie rod ends (if necessary for access)
   If access requires, remove the cotter pin from the tie rod end castle nut using pliers. Loosen but do not fully remove the castle nut. Use a tie rod separator tool to break the taper connection between the tie rod end and steering knuckle. Remove the castle nut and separate the tie rod end. Mark or note the position of tie rod ends for alignment reference.
   ⚠Never strike the tie rod end directly with a hammer as this can damage the threads. Use a proper separator tool.
3. 3

   Disconnect power steering pressure and return lines
   Locate the power steering lines connected to the steering rack. Place drain pans underneath. Using a 14mm wrench, carefully loosen and disconnect the pressure line fitting and return line fitting from the steering rack. Allow fluid to drain. Cap or plug the open lines to prevent contamination. Remove and discard the old O-rings from the fittings.
   ⚠Some residual pressure may remain in the system. Loosen fittings slowly and be prepared for fluid spray.
4. 4

   Disconnect EPS motor electrical connector
   Locate the electrical connector on the electric power steering motor assembly. Press the locking tab and carefully disconnect the connector. Inspect the connector for corrosion or damage. If connector is dirty, clean with electrical contact cleaner.
5. 5

   Remove EPS motor mounting bolts
   Locate the mounting bolts securing the EPS motor to the steering rack housing. There are typically 2-3 bolts depending on the specific motor design. Using a 12mm socket, remove the mounting bolts while supporting the motor weight. Carefully extract the EPS motor from the rack housing.
   ⚠The EPS motor is moderately heavy and may have residual fluid inside. Support it carefully during removal to prevent dropping.
6. 6

   Remove EPS motor cover (if applicable)
   Some EPS motors have a protective cover or heat shield. If present, remove the cover screws using a 10mm socket and remove the cover. Inspect the cover gasket and replace if damaged.
7. 7

   Clean mounting surfaces
   Using a wire brush and clean shop towels, thoroughly clean the mounting surfaces on the steering rack housing where the EPS motor mounts. Remove any old gasket material, dirt, or debris. Ensure the surfaces are clean and dry for proper sealing of the new motor.
8. 8

   Install new EPS motor
   Position the new EPS motor onto the steering rack housing, ensuring proper alignment of the motor shaft with the rack pinion. Install the mounting bolts finger-tight first to ensure proper alignment. Once aligned, tighten the mounting bolts in a cross pattern to the specified torque.
   ⚠Ensure the motor shaft engages properly with the rack pinion before tightening bolts. Forcing misaligned components can cause damage.
9. 9

   Reinstall EPS motor cover (if applicable)
   If a protective cover was removed, reinstall it with any gasket or seal. Tighten the cover screws to the specified torque in a cross pattern.
10. 10

    Reconnect power steering lines
    Install new O-rings onto the power steering line fittings, lubricating them lightly with fresh ATF. Connect the pressure line and return line to the steering rack, ensuring proper seating. Tighten the fittings to the specified torque using a torque wrench.
    ⚠Always use new O-rings when reconnecting hydraulic lines. Reusing old O-rings can cause leaks.
11. 11

    Reconnect EPS motor electrical connector
    Connect the electrical connector to the EPS motor, ensuring it clicks securely into place. Verify the locking tab is fully engaged. Give the connector a gentle tug to confirm it is properly seated.
12. 12

    Reconnect tie rod ends (if removed)
    If tie rod ends were disconnected, reconnect them to the steering knuckles. Install the castle nuts and tighten to the specified torque. Install new cotter pins through the castle nut and tie rod stud, bending the ends to secure.
    ℹ️If the cotter pin hole does not align after torquing, tighten the nut further to the next alignment point. Never loosen the nut to align the cotter pin hole.
13. 13

    Reinstall subframe components and under cover
    Reinstall the front subframe braces or cross member supports and tighten all fasteners to specification. Reinstall the engine under cover if equipped.
14. 14

    Fill power steering system
    Fill the power steering reservoir with Toyota ATF Dexron III to the proper level. With the engine off and steering wheel still locked, turn the steering wheel lock-to-lock several times by hand to bleed air from the system. Check fluid level and top off as needed.
15. 15

    Reinstall wheels and final checks
    Reinstall both front wheels and tighten lug nuts in a star pattern to the specified torque. Lower the vehicle from jack stands. Remove the steering wheel locking tool. Reconnect the negative battery cable.

Reassembly

1. Ensure all electrical connectors are properly seated and locked
2. Verify all hydraulic line fittings are torqued to specification with new O-rings installed
3. Double-check that the steering wheel was kept centered during the procedure
4. If tie rods were disconnected, schedule a professional wheel alignment

Verification

• Start the engine and verify no warning lights are illuminated on the instrument cluster
• With engine running, turn the steering wheel slowly lock-to-lock and listen for unusual noises
• Check for any fluid leaks around the power steering line connections
• Verify power steering assist is functioning properly by turning the wheel at low speed
• Check power steering fluid level and top off if necessary
• Test drive the vehicle in a safe area to confirm normal steering operation and no pulling
• Recheck fluid level after test drive and inspect for leaks
• If tie rod ends were removed, have a professional wheel alignment performed immediately

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